Complaint
A viewer complained that a report by the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt sensationalised the problem of Climate Change. Β The complainant argued there was no evidence to support the contention that carbon dioxide emissions were to blame. The ECU considered whether the report met the standards of due accuracy set out in the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Editorial Guidelines. Β Β
Outcome
The report sought to explain why Britain was experiencing a heatwave and why mean global surface temperatures have risen from pre-industrial levels. Β Justin Rowlatt cited data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and reflected the widely-held view of scientists, climate experts and national governments that reducing emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide is necessary to reduce the rate at which global temperatures increase. Β The ECU understood the complainant did not agree with this interpretation of the evidence and took the view the changing climate is only caused by the Earth’s natural climate cycles. Β However the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s policy is to reflect the available evidence and informed scientific opinion and it noted the vast majority of international and national bodies involved in the study and analysis of climate change agree the scientific evidence shows the global climate is changing and the change is predominantly human-induced.
Not Upheld